Everyone has obsessions. You might have fallen in love with duelling or Quidditch, or indeed with a particular school subject, and your friends might have called you weird for it (on more than one occasion). However, some of Hogwarts' residents have the strangest of compulsions - for the strangest of reasons, too! Read on to find out more...
UNVERIFIED RUMORS
1. You've noticed Vladimir Valentin's obsessive consumption of blood pops, right? Well, we at The Parselmouth have come to believe he's actually a bloodsucking vampire. Make sure you keep a healthy stock of garlic in your pockets to avoid becoming his next meal - you know, once the blood pops have lost their appeal...
2. If you've ever wondered why the third years seem to be obsessed with finding love, you'll be glad to know an anonymous contributor has graced us with an answer. It seems there might possibly be a secret dating contest going on, the details of which are presently unclear. We hope to verify this rumor by finding more information in the future.
3. Professor Gainsborough's obsession with performance is a source of irritation for many - especially those he teaches. However, his impromptu outbursts and multiple layers of make-up may serve an important purpose: to distract us from the face full of ugly spots and unfortunately-shaped freckles he possesses. Poor man.
VERIFIED RUMORS
1. Sophie Downes' fondness for cookies has led us to an important conclusion. Have you ever pondered the identity of the infamous Cookie Monster? Look no further than the sixth year Hufflepuff.
2. Experimentation can be a dangerous obsession to have, especially without possessing the intelligence to prevent disaster. However, it's clear that Desmond Tonks knows exactly what he's doing with his interests. The latest school craze - devices to nurture small virtual pets known as Magimons - was created solely by him. Who knows what he'll invent next?!
3. Of course, we couldn't write about obsessions without featuring our two Arithmancy teachers - Professors Wollice and Owens - who have an unhealthy obsession with numbers. They've been known to take it as far as celebrating Pi Day, Mole Day and other assorted number-related Days with their classes, while Professor Wollice's prefect appointments are also heavily influenced by the candidates' life path numbers.
So, to the school's avid sports fans and work-obsessed nerds: please know that you're totally, perfectly normal. You're welcome.
written by Kayla Kedzierski and Zara Anguariz